Goodwill, Red Cross Partner to Help Disaster Victims

By Goodwill-Big Bend, Inc. and Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Wed 11:07 AM, Dec 05, 2012&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 6:16 PM, Dec 12, 2012

Goodwill-Big Bend, Inc. and the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross Release

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Goodwill-Big Bend, Inc. and the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross are partnering up in an effort to help provide relief for disaster victims.

These two local non-profits are getting the word out that cash donations should go to the Red Cross and material items should be donated directly to Goodwill. In exchange for the donations, Goodwill provides the Red Cross with vouchers for people affected by disasters, allowing the victims to shop at any Goodwill retail store in Goodwill Big Bend’s 22 county area.

“We live in a compassionate community and residents want to help and give what they can when so many people have lost everything to a disaster,” said Fred Shelfer, CEO of Goodwill Industries- Big Bend. “Sending material items to a disaster area can quickly become a disaster in itself. ”

The best way to make the largest impact and help those in need is to donate money to the Red Cross and material donations to Goodwill. Because the American Red Cross is not designed nor do they have the resources to accept, sort, and distribute material donations; Goodwill does. The value of the donation to Goodwill translates into free vouchers which the American Red Cross can give to the survivors of a disaster. This partnership frees up time and resources so relief workers can focus on immediate impact for those in need.

To make it easier for donators, Goodwill will have a donation box placed at the Tallahassee Red Cross Headquarters, or residents can donate to any Goodwill store or donation centers across our region.

“In creating our partnership, both Red Cross and Goodwill hope to improve our services for victims during times of crisis,” said Daniel Samborn, Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross CEO. “We will continue to collaborate and strengthen this relationship in order to enhance the resources available to individuals in our community during disaster situations.”

Goodwill Industries-Big Bend, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit; Goodwill’s mission is to provide job training, education, and employment to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, helping them reach their fullest potential in supporting themselves and their families. Goodwill also provides barrier-free apartment complexes in which people with disabilities can live independently.

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need.

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